15 Best Lightweight Running Shoes Reviewed In 2017

The best lightweight running shoe alone is a type of footwear that could encourage the runners to go fast while still capable of piling on the huge mileage. In the most recent years, the shoe trends have been given way to the more active and freeform styles, naturally leading the sports in a completely new direction.

If you’re looking for the agilest and feather-like footwear suiting your needs of a runner, then look nowhere else than our 15 best lightweight running shoes reviewed in 2017 below:

15 Best Lightweight Running Shoes In 2017

Take on endless miles of running

A lot of manufacturers decide to add more ergonomic second-skin to the running shoes’ cushioned midsoles for more powerful heel-to-toe drops. And thanks to this bit of foam in the midsoles, the impact is amazingly softened when it comes to the long distance runs. So which one is the best so far?

#1 Adidas Adizero Boston Boost 6

Most runners were quite impressed with the look of the Adidas Adizero Boston Boost 6 and felt satisfied with such a solid performance the shoe offers. The entire cushioning feature was claimed to feel enough while its quality as it comes to the materials was highly sound.

However, there are still some reviewers claim that the Adizero Boston Boost 6’s tongue just folded over so distractingly. They also felt unhappy with how slightly tight the shoe felt for the runs. Besides, they expect the whole footwear to be softer against the foot, but generally, it’s a great option for any runner who is desiring for a responsive and lightweight running shoe.

The upper is not too thick but only supportive enough to maintain your foot more comfortable whenever stepping on the footwear’s platform. Being linked to the lacing system straightforward, the stitched-on overlay can hug your foot perfectly and keep it in place during the high-impact running activity.

Pros

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The fit feels so great in your forefoot, midfoot and heel area

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The materials make it more responsive to every motion of the foot, according to a tester

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As a matter of fact, you can feel contented with the shoe’s sizes - they just fit their casual preferences

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It was a highly versatile running shoe that can cushion your heel-strike

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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The color of the Adidas Adizero Boston 6 was a bit brighter for some users, making them feel it slightly disconcerting.

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The shoe was a bit tight for some runners, including me.​

Rating: 9.6/10

The Adidas Adizero Boston Boost 6 offers all users the impressive look and a solid performance.

#2 On CloudFlow

The On CloudFlow might surprise many shoe enthusiasts by gaining more fans thanks to its efficacy and ergonomic design. A lot of them welcomed the shoe’s lightweight nature and excellently responsive cushioning system as well as other great aesthetics. Of course, there was nearly no complaint about this neutral running shoe.

If what you want is a shoe with a nice tempo, the speed with some added cushion, then this is an outstanding option. It’s because of their lightweight nature; the shoe makes a perfect fit for any single-digit training run. Well, this running shoe also owns the feel of a woven cloth and efficiently wraps around the foot safely to allow the runners to move freely and naturally.

Pros

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I and my friends were so grateful that the shoe could offer high comfort to their feet during the runs

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Putting on this shoe for a long time won’t cause any discomfort to the muscles, following those who have tried it

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It performed very well and easily satisfy the strictest users thanks to its lightweight nature.

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Both design and color schemes of the Cloudflow gained some high praise just because they thought that it was so appealing at first sight

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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I also want to report that some rocks usually get stuck in the shoe’s crevices and holes of sole unit

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The shoe’s outsole couldn’t grip the wet surfaces quite well.

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Its rubber pattern beneath the cloud pod tends to wear off fast

Rating: 9.5/10

The entire parts of the On CloudFlow look nice and own a solid running platform, and more wonderfully, it’s so light.

#3 Nike Free Rn Motion Flyknit

This Free Rn Motion can take your basic running principle to another level in the form of a brand new midsole design. It’s so light, flexible and able to deliver a lot of comforts. Besides, the entire shoe is built to last long for tough speed training and other ultra-long runs.

It naturally feels much like a sock and super breathable for long sessions on the roads. However, the auxetic texture in the Motion Flyknit must be one of the most striking features, delivering the most natural running experience you’ve ever had.

Don’t think that they feel pretty much like all marshmallows. With its revolutionary design of the outsole and a completely innovative construction, your run can be taken to a much better level.

Pros

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Its sock-like fit in the upper and the plush inside are all enough to make your entire ride as comfortable as possible.

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The shoe’s durability is amazingly great, depending on different comments left by the users.

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It’s extremely light and incredibly designed for more natural running motion, reported by some testers.

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It owns a plusher cushioning feature than any other version.

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The shoe’s traction is quite versatile where the terrain can go, especially in the wet conditions, based on a great number of observations.

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People love its quick transitions and it is my opinion either.

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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A lot of runners, including me got the feeling that the Free Rn Motion is a bit costly

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Extra price for unproven design for the sole.

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Both my father and I thought that the shoe’s upper could have used a bit more structure, which is better.

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Felt unstable with the lateral moves

Rating: 9.5/10

Indeed, the cushioning underfoot of the Nike Free Rn Motion Flyknit is just enough so there’s no need to brace yourself up for touching any surface.

#4 Merrell All Out Crush Light

The All Out Crush Light is another great lightweight trail running shoes that have such a highly durable traction. Beyond than that, if you want a shoe with the moderate level of cushioning, this shoe is only ideal for any light trail since it can’t deliver the right protection for any long distance run or technical terrain.

Aside from other Merrell’s off-road shoes, this version features a highly breathable upper made from the woven fabric and TPU materials, which makes such an excellent exterior. More than that, the shoe is more durable and so easy to clean or dry as compared to other shoes. The use of Uni Fly - an integrated EVA foot bed does not just protect the foot from other sharp objects but also offer high protection on any tough terrain or the off-road trails.

Pros

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Being a regular runner, I love the lightweight build-up of the All Out Crush Light.

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It’s a reasonably priced shoe.

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Some reviewers, including me noted that this shoe is highly comfy.

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It can deliver the highly reliable traction while running on the trail, depending on some certain comments.

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Stays true to the size.

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The midsole is made of the Uni Fly - the EVA foot bed composed of the ultra-resilient foam, TrailProtect pad and underfoot guard

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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The sole of the All Out Crush Light shoe can wear out fast as mentioned in some user’s reviews

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I have to say that the cushioning is not indeed a priority in this footwear

Rating: 9.4/10

With a breathable upper, the Merrell All Out Crush Light adds a very satisfying and comfortable touch to your trail running experience.

#5 On Cloud

The On Cloud shoe enables all runners to fully experience the most explosive toe-offs and gentle landings thanks to its greatly impressive cushioning and other impact-protection features. There are a lot of testers who appear so happy with the shoe due to its lightweight nature and adequate cushioning system. Quite differing from other shoes of ON, this one has the sole pods that are made from the midsole rather than the rubber outsole.

On the run, noticeably, the shoes seem to deliver the same sensation of smooth cushioning when they try to compress, transform to a stable platform for push-off when bottoming out. The On Cloud also stays true to its size, from the midfoot, forefoot to heel section so that it can accommodate anyone having the medium-size foot and the ones with a wide forefoot.

Pros

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Many of my friedns were impressed with the lightweight texture of the On Cloud.

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I indeed love the CloudTec sole that highly responds to every individual runner’s gait.

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It owns enough room in the toe box for more comfortable toe splay.

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The shoe is now available in different attractive colors.

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On Cloud also brings the users the great flexibility and cushioning as mentioned in some client’s reviews

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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Some testers suffer durability issues because a few parts of the footwear wore out fast after using for a few months

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There were also the cases where little stones get stuck in your shoes during the run

Rating: 9.3/10

The On Cloud shoe is ideally made for any runner who is searching for the minimal running footwear with amazing performance and comfort.

#6 Under Armour SpeedForm Fortis Vent

Have you ever had the well-cushioned running experience before? Then what the Under Armour SpeedForm Fortis is really about. It gives a great hand in supporting the runner’s foot and carries it in such a comfy and unlimited manner.

So are you ready to handle the roads? Things are now getting easier and easier, especially when the neutral runners own this long-lasting and nice-looking running companion. For this reason, you should get ready to buy one and kick out of more visual aspects of your running gear.

Besides, we should say thanks to the ArmourVent, known as a mesh material that is so light and comfortable on the skin. In other words, it won’t ever make your foot feel like being stiff but keep it cool and dry because it can let the air to seamlessly get right inside the shoe.

Pros

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Ultra-lightweight, breathable and durable material used for the upper of the SpeedForm Fortis Vent.

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The users truly appreciated the true skin comfort that this shoe’s design brings to them.

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There’s a controllable lockdown strap used to maintain the foot’s rear in place.

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It adds more cushioning and supports to your whole foot as well as staving off the moisture.

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The dual-layer platform is constructed to absorb forces, and then you can transfer energy to the athlete, and allow his foot to raise off efficiently

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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The silicone grip of the rear section might irritate the heels of some runners

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Some testers noted that it was one size smaller than the ones they were used to

Rating: 9.3/10

The Fortis Vent owns a great coverage, efficient performance and a protection that is about last a long time.

#7 Hoka One One Clifton 3

The Clifton 3 of Hoka One One seems to gain a lot of positive feedbacks from several runners who thought that it was such a comfy option for the streets. Besides, the cushioning system here was also popular since it was said to be thick yet still unbelievably comfortable. Well, who just don’t agree? All of these characteristics make neutral runners felt happier.

However, the best thing about the shoe is no matter how much cushioning you get, the shoe is still light and warm. Wear it around to let it go through the stride so well. Not only that, but this is also one of the shoes wherein if you feel ready to beat up.

Furthermore, once feeling tired from miles of running, you might want something a bit easier on both legs; so Hoka One One Clifton is properly the great one to consider!

Pros

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According to my own idea, I can indicate that the shoe’s inner sleeve never rub against their skin so that they can enjoy the complete irritation-free running experience.

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Its breathable upper was also favored since it enables more air to easily keep the runners’ feet ventilated.

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I have to confess that the midsole could even weaken the landing impacts pretty effectively, so it was extremely useful to wear this shoe.

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Thanks to the curved arch, now you can maintain your midfoot well-supported, offering several of the testers the high motivation to run farther with ease

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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From my point of view, there’s one issue about the shoe’s size scheme since some of my friends also reported that it was ½ size smaller than what they got used to

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You may also note that it’s the outsole unit’s rubber could wear out very fast

Rating: 9.2/10

In summary, the Hoka One One Clifton 3 is highly favored due to the great traction on every surface.

#8 Puma Carson Runner

It’s none other than the style and performance that makes the Puma Carson Runner one of the worth-to-try running shoes this year. Owning the flawless mixture of cushioning, traction and durability, the footwear won’t let you down or anyone who is looking for a brand new training partner.This footwear is just the best for any narrow-footed athlete.

Puma Carson Runner arrives with a nice air mesh upper that deliver the maximum breathability, maintaining the entire foot well-ventilated throughout the run. If you intend to buy one, note that the size of the Puma Carson Runner could run small. Therefore, you need to buy a size bigger than the size of a usual running shoe. More than that, what makes people love to wear this model around is the ability to attenuate shock and energy production for a stronger toe-off.

Pros

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A great number of runners mentioned that Puma Carson Runner owns a trustworthy and comfortable cushioning system.

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A few testers, including me felt happy with the medium fit of the shoe.

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Its air mesh upper delivers a greatly breathable coverage, keeping your footwear well-ventilated in the long run.

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It’s highly affordable in price and available in various colors

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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Almost all of people I know tried it and said that the shoe felt a bit narrow for them

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The size runs a bit small

Rating: 9.2/10

Apart from the great comfort, the upper material of the Puma Carson Runner offers every runner such a sleek style.

#9 Skechers GOrun 5

Being welcomed by so many people who have tried it, Skechers GOrun 5 is famous for its comfortable and efficient construction, amazingly colorful design and an impressive midsole foam unit. Some casual shoe fans would love to try this out due to its softer and more responsive nature.

However, we also see some complaining about the shoe being slightly narrow and a little big as it comes to the sizing scheme. Besides, a few reviewers also reported that its the footwear traction felt inconsistent at times. But in the users’ general opinion, the GOrun 5 is a cool shoe that can run fast without causing our feet to get swollen.

Pros

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Some consumers agreed that the GOrun 5 looked really attractive.

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They also felt the running shoe quite comfortable in their feet.

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It felt enough lightweight, according to many runners.

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The shoe’s midsole felt slightly softer and more responsive than its previous model.

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If you try this shoe for the first time, you can praise the upper as it’s so supportive and breathable

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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You may have to consider that the GOrun 5 was just a half-a-size larger than what they get used to

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Based on some reviews, the outsole grip felt lacking.

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It was narrow in the midfoot area if you prefer the spacious one.

Rating: 9.2/10

Frankly, you would love to use the Skechers GOrun 5 for your casual occasions provided that the shoe remained efficient throughout different weather conditions.

#10 Altra One 2.5

In fact, there are not many people who were truly impressed by the general enhancement of the Altra One 2.5, but it could deliver an extremely responsive ride and a more comfortable upper area than what you expected. So it’s one of the best lightweight running shoes for both tempo racing and running you can trust and bring home.

Quite like the 2.0 version, this model owns more cushioning than its older one, but its foam density is just firmer, offering a more responsive ride that every tester could finally hit the sweet spot. With the re-designed upper area, the shoe ensures to offer the runners a completely comfortable ride as well as keep our foot cool and dry naturally.

Pros

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The Dry Air mesh material helps to stave off the moisture and delivers the breathable coverage.

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Several reviewers said to be impressed by the enhanced durability of the One 2.5 version.

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It exclusively features one blown rubber for better traction and more flexibility.

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A practical user can feel great about the color options available for this model.

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It arrives at a budget-friendly price.

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The shoe owns the midsole unit having the highly responsive cushioning and a great balanced platform

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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Based on a few reviews, the One 2.5 running shoe provides less cushioning feature and less arch support than the previous models

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After several time of usage, you may complain that the toe box felt slightly tight for a few testers, causing the toes to clump together uncomfortably.

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Furthermore, you may report that the heel section was a bit narrow and uncomfortable

Rating: 9.1/10

When it comes to the color options, most of the Altra One 2.5 look so eye-catching and pleasing to the eyes.

#11 Inov - 8 X - Talon 200

Not just a lightweight but also flexible running shoe for racing and obstacle course running, the Inov-8X Talon 200 is able to provide an impressive grip and protection on every surface. People call it the new breed of running shoes or the unique neutral footwear made to benefit any runner who likes to increase their performance in a harder races and tracks.

The shoe remains very excellent as often with 8mm in depth teeth that can chew through mud and drive you to move forward. It’s especially handy for wet muddy hills, making it most premier race shoe of everyone’s choice.

Pros

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The Inov-8 X-Talon 200 brings an outstanding grip on various surfaces, based on a large number of runners.

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Every runner applauded the footwear for being ultra-light and flexible.

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Extremely breathable forefoot mesh material and DWR coating that can help to maintain your foot dry in wet conditions.

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This shoe owns a roomy toe box but not too bulky.

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Thanks to its narrow lacing system, which is ideal for a more secure and snug fit

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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A few runners reported that the Talon 200 is not as durable as advertised

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After viewing some comments, the shoe is said to need more underfoot protection

Rating: 9.1/10

By trying the Inov - 8 X - Talon 200, you can be ensured that you are having one of the most lightweight running shoes in 2017.

#12 Salomon Sonic Pro

The Salomon Sonic Pro is a reliable road running shoe designed exclusively for narrow-footed athletes. It’s light enough to suit the uptempo training, and greater than that, the shoe gets equipped with the greatest technologies for short and long-distance runs. It’s just light and responsive enough for us to wear like how we do with a race day shoe.

More interestingly, its EnergyCell+ compound has the ability to offer the ultra-light foam that is mainly used to attenuate the shock and brings us the long-lasting rebound. The midsole also features the three-dimensional ProFeel film for increasing the midfoot protection without influencing your ground feel.

Pros

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Every runner seems to love the lightweight construction of the Sonic Pro especially in the long run.

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The shoe is available in various color options.

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Some reviewers found that the footwear delivers enough flexibility in their forefoot.

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Based on some reviews, they feel so much contented with the highly breathable upper area of the Sonic Pro.

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Both Sensifit and Endofit technologies are said to be quite effective in offering the runners a secure fit and high comfort

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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A bit narrow for a few runners

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The shoe comes at an expensive price

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Makes a great hiking or trail shoe but the sole easily peels off

Rating: 9.0/10

All trail runner who are already used to the Salomon’s fit and performance might like to have this model as their daily road trainer.

#13 Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder

Merrell’s Tough Mudder when used alone for trail running is said to work best on various surfaces (soft, wet, or slippery ground). If you want to experience a highly supportive, well-cushioned and stable ride, this footwear can be your best option.

It has more than enough underfoot cushioning without having to take away any excellent ground feedback. This pair of shoes could tackle any short course (5 - 25 km) trails with great lugs that offer the versatile grip on a bunch of surfaces in the most slippery conditions.

Pros

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Superb grip for obstacle racing, trail running and shining in mud.

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A few users loved the long-distance running ability of the shoe.

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The outsole lugs can shake off the mud pretty well.

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It comes with four color options.

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The price is a great bargain depending on different reviewers.

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The shoe is very light without losing its great support for challenging obstacles and mud run

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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The laces seem to be undone, according to some users’ observations

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A few reviewers said that the shoe was a bit small.

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Some people felt disappointed that it felt a bit narrow for their feet

Rating: 8.9/10

The Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder Offers a highly supportive ride for obstacle races, based on many comments

#14 Vibram FiveFingers EL-X

FiverFingers EL-X is a great entry level cross-trainer suiting best for running and any workout. Amongst the toe shoes of Vibram, this model can be seen as the lightest and the shoe having the leanest sole in its line-up. Since it’s mainly designed for barefoot runners, the footwear only takes you a bit getting used to.

Sure enough, it comes in the right fit and gets more “likes” for being one of the most versatile running shoes in the market nowadays. Wear it around to let you shine in the gy​gym​​​m, indoor/outdoor workouts or your high-mileage running. Trust us since they could make a perfect pair of lightweight running shoes that emulate your barefoot experience for both outdoor use and discovery.

Pros

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Many runners concluded that it’s the closest thing they must barefoot running without actually going barefoot.

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Its lightweight and flexible nature was the most favorite thing by fans.

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The shoe can dry fast, based on different reviewers’ comments.

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Most of the consumers felt enjoyable when it comes to the breathable upper unit of the shoe

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A large number of runners experienced a hard time taking the right size and fit

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For one reviewer, this running shoe tend to stink even after being washed.

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The tightness of the fit limits the motion, according to some runners.

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Wearing the shoe was a big challenge for testers

Rating: 8.7/10

FiverFingers EL-X can be considered a great entry level cross-trainer suiting best for running and any workout

#15 Nike Flyknit Racer

Some reviewers claim that they have fun wearing this lightweight running shoe since for them, this Nike’s version can deliver high comfort, security, and style at the same time. Meanwhile, a few testers noted that they loved to use it daily and did not feel like changing at all.

However, we still heard more than one users complained that they can’t acclimate well to the running road. Even the shoe upper’s durability also causes some inconsistencies. But in general, Nike Flyknit Racer is still a popular footwear, and many have come to trust and choose it. Featuring a one-piece knitted upper, the shoe is favored for being very breathable. Besides, its stretchable nature allows a highly adaptive fit and added support during the long runs.

Pros

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Striking color schemes of the Nike Flyknit Racer were welcomed by nearly most of the runners.

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The users prefer its Flyknit fabric that can wrap around their feet like a sock without causing any irritation.

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“Comfortable” is a common word given by several runners who have described their experience when wearing the shoe around.

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It felt so responsive and springy in the underfoot

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Cons﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

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Many testers said that the hold showing up in the shoe’s forefoot region after just a few months of use

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Following a runner, the shoe’s underfoot platform was not quite effective as it comes to the all-day use.

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The shoe felt a bit narrow

Rating: 8.5/10

Well, for a majority of runners, the Nike Flyknit Racer is just perfect for being lightweight, breathable and durable in traction.

Conclusion

We both know that lightweight running shoes feel like a dream, but getting the wrong one could lead to our waste of efforts and money. Take a look at our 15 best lightweight running shoes reviewed in 2017 right away! After collecting all authentic comments and thoughts from the testers and consumers, you’ll get to bring home the right shoe for half-marathon to other speed work.

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